Optimization of access technology search in multiple equivalent home public land mobile network (ehplmn) deployments

ABSTRACT

Communication systems can enhance customer experience by quickly and efficiently associating and disassociating radio access technologies (RATs) from available networks in a deployment. In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) can optimize usage of a PLMN selector file (e.g., HPLMNwACT) stored within the subscriber identity module (SIM) that comprises a combination of mobile country code/mobile network code (MCC/MNC) data and RAT data (e.g., customized based on mobile network operator (MNO) requirements and/or deployments). Moreover, during PLMN selection, the UE can only search for a RAT that is associated with a MCC/MNC combination, resulting in faster PLMN selection and reduced UE resource consumption. Further, the PLMN selector file can be modified based on MNO preferences via an over-the-air update.

RELATED APPLICATION

The subject patent application is a continuation of, and claims priorityto, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/208,249, filed Dec. 3, 2018, andentitled “OPTIMIZATION OF ACCESS TECHNOLOGY SEARCH IN MULTIPLEEQUIVALENT HOME PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK (EHPLMN) DEPLOYMENTS,” theentirety of which application is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to wireless communications, e.g.,optimization of access technology search in multiple equivalent homepublic land mobile network (EHPLMN) deployments.

BACKGROUND

As mobile network operators (MNOs) grow their footprint bothdomestically and internationally, for example, by incorporating and/orenabling multiple core network functions, the ability for a userequipment (UE) to quickly access the most preferred network becomesincreasingly complicated. To allow the MNO to provide multiple publicland mobile networks (PLMNs) that are to be treated as a home PLMN(HPLMN), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has defined anequivalent HPLMN (EHPLMN) file that comprises a list of PLMNs that canbe used by a UE for PLMN selection and/or cell selection/reselection.Moreover, EHPLMN can be used to allow different networks with differentPLMNs to all be treated as a HPLMN. This allows for quicker access tothe network in cell-border and/or roaming scenarios and ensures that,through network selection criteria, the PLMNs listed as an EHPLMN willbe considered as the most preferred PLMN (e.g., having highestpriority).

During PLMN selection, conventional UEs search for the same set of radioaccess technologies (RATs), in an order defined within the subscriberidentity module (SIM), for each EHPLMN entry. However, oftentimes thenetworks considered as equivalent HPLMNs have different deployments andcan be geographically adjacent to one other. Thus, the UEs can searchfor RAT/PLMN combinations that do not exist at a particular location,expending both time and battery life of the UEs and resulting incustomer dissatisfaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example is an example system that facilitatesefficient public land mobile network (PLMN) selection.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system that comprises a user equipment(UE) that can perform optimized PLMN selection, in accordance with anaspect of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system that facilitates control and/orprioritization of radio access technology (RAT)-PLMN combinations thatare utilized during PLMN selection.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system that facilitates load balancingbased on network-triggered PLMN selection.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system that facilitates device steeringbased on network-triggered PLMN selection.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example system that automates one or more featuresin accordance with the subject embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method that facilitates optimized PLMNselection based on RAT-PLMN combination data stored within a UE'ssubscriber identity module (SIM).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method for controlling RAT-PLMNcombinations that are utilized by a UE during PLMN selection.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of a user equipment operableto engage in a system architecture that facilitates wirelesscommunications according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to executethe disclosed communication architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a computing environmentin accordance with the subject specification

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It may be evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details, e.g., without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitatedescribing the embodiments in additional detail.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,”“interface,” “node,” “platform,” “server,” “controller,” “entity,”“element,” “gateway,” or the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution or an entity related to anoperational machine with one or more specific functionalities. Forexample, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a processrunning on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a threadof execution, computer-executable instruction(s), a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on acontroller and the controller can be a component. One or more componentsmay reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a componentmay be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. As another example, an interface can comprise input/output(I/O) components as well as associated processor, application, and/orAPI components.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. An article of manufacture canencompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readabledevice or computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,computer readable storage media can comprise but are not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips. . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk(DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick,key drive . . . ). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognizemany modifications can be made to this configuration without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to meanserving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or designdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concretefashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to meanan inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs Aor B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform.

Moreover, terms like “user equipment,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” “mobile station,” and similar terminology, refer to a wired orwireless communication-capable device utilized by a subscriber or userof a wired or wireless communication service to receive or convey data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-streamor signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably inthe subject specification and related drawings. Data and signalingstreams can be packetized or frame-based flows. Further, the terms“user,” “subscriber,” “consumer,” “customer,” and the like are employedinterchangeably throughout the subject specification, unless contextwarrants particular distinction(s) among the terms. It should be notedthat such terms can refer to human entities or automated componentssupported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to makeinference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which can providesimulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to enhancing customerexperience by enabling quick and efficient association and/ordisassociation of radio access technologies (RATs) from availablenetworks in a deployment. In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) canoptimize usage of a PLMN selector file (e.g., HPLMNwACT) stored withinthe subscriber identity module (SIM) that comprises a combination ofmobile country code/mobile network code (MCC/MNC) data and RAT data(e.g., that has been customized based on mobile network operator (MNO)requirements and/or deployments). Moreover, during PLMN selection, theUE can only search for RATs that are associated with each MCC/MNCcombination resulting in faster PLMN selection and accordingly,conserving computing and/or battery resources of the UE.

Aspects or features of the disclosed embodiments can be exploited insubstantially any wireless communication technology. Such wirelesscommunication technologies can include universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS), and/or long term evolution (LTE), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), Wi-Fi, worldwide interoperability formicrowave access (WiMAX), general packet radio service (GPRS), enhancedGPRS, third generation partnership project (3GPP), LTE, third generationpartnership project 2 (3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speedpacket access (HSPA), evolved high speed packet access (HSPA+),high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packetaccess (HSUPA), Zigbee, or another IEEE 802.XX technology. Additionally,substantially all aspects disclosed herein can be exploited in legacytelecommunication technologies and/or next generation networks (e.g.,5G).

As used herein, “5G” can also be referred to as New Radio (NR) access.Accordingly, systems, methods, and/or machine-readable storage media forfacilitating improved communication coverage for 5G systems are desired.As used herein, one or more aspects of a 5G network can comprise, but isnot limited to, data rates of several tens of megabits per second (Mbps)supported for tens of thousands of users; at least one gigabit persecond (Gbps) offered simultaneously to tens of users (e.g., tens ofworkers on the same office floor); several hundreds of thousands ofsimultaneous connections supported for massive sensor deployments;spectral efficiency significantly enhanced compared to 4G; improvementin coverage relative to 4G; signaling efficiency enhanced compared to4G; and/or latency significantly reduced compared to LTE.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there illustrated is an example system100 that facilitates efficient PLMN selection, according to one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. Moreover, system 100 comprisesa UE 102 that can reduce power consumption and time to access a networkbased on utilizing operator-controlled RAT-PLMN combinations duringnetwork scans. As an example, the UE 102 can comprise, but is notlimited to most any industrial automation device and/or consumerelectronic device, for example, a tablet computer, a digital mediaplayer, a wearable device, a digital camera, a media player, a cellularphone, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, a gaming system, set top boxes, home security systems,an Internet of things (IoT) device, a connected vehicle, at leastpartially automated vehicle (e.g., drones), etc.

Typically, PLMNs are indicative of a specific network and its country oforigin. A UE (e.g., UE 102) operates on its home PLMN (HPLMN) that isdetermined based on its international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).To allow provision for multiple HPLMN codes, equivalent home PLMN(EHPLMN) data can be stored within the SIM (e.g., SIM 104). In oneexample, the EHPLMN data comprises a prioritized list of PLMN codes thatreplace (and/or can be utilized in addition to) the HPLMN code derivedfrom the IMSI for PLMN selection. In one example, during networkacquisition, an acquired network can have a different PLMN than that ofa mobile network operator (MNO) and accordingly, the MNO can simply addthe PLMN of the acquired network to the EHPLMN list and enable UEs toprioritize connection to the acquired network (e.g., over otheruser-defined and/or visitor networks).

During initialization (e.g., power up and/or re-registration afterleaving a connected mode), UE 102 selects the HPLMN or highest priorityEHPLMN. For example, the UE 102 can utilize the EHPLMN data to determinethe PLMNs that are to be accessed. In addition, a “PLMN Lists withAccess Technology” file (e.g., HPLMNwACT 106) comprises radio accesstechnologies that are to be scanned, can be utilized. Although the “PLMNLists with Access Technology” file comprises combinations of PLMN codes(e.g., mobile country code/mobile network code (MCC/MNC) data) withrespective RATs, conventional UEs merely utilize the RATs listed in thefile. In other words, conventional UEs ignore the MCC/MNC data storedwithin the HPLMNwACT file 106. Specifically, conventional UEs determinethe set of RATs listed in the HPLMNwACT file 106 and search for theentire set of RATs for each PLMN code listed in the EHPLMN data. Thiscan be a time and resource consuming process resulting in reducedbattery life and negative customer experience. Further, the list ofEHPLMNs can be deployed in different or same areas and use differentRATs at different locations. Conventional UEs do not determine RATs thatapply to specific EHPLMN at a particular location.

In contrast, UE 102 utilizes a PLMN selection component 108 thatdetermines combinations of PLMNs with their corresponding RATs tofacilitate an efficient PLMN search process. As an example, a defaultlist of PLMNs with their corresponding RATs can initially be storedwithin the HPLMNwACT file 106 (e.g., during manufacture) and can beupdated, based on most any operator preferences and/or requirements(e.g., traffic steering, load balancing, etc.), via an over-the-air(OTA) message. According to an embodiment, the PLMN selection component108 can instruct a scanning component 110 to search for PLMN and RATcombinations based on a priority specified within the HPLMNwACT file106. Since the scanning component 110 only searches for a RAT that isassociated with the PLMN (as specified by the HPLMNwACT file 106), thescanning process is significantly expedited, consumes fewer resources,and thus, extends battery life. Once a cell with one of the PLMN and RATcombinations is found, the UE can initiate attachment procedure to camponto the cell. In other words, the searching on RATs that are not linkedto the PLMN is prohibited.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there illustrated is an example system 200 thatcomprises a UE (e.g., UE 2 204) that can perform optimized PLMNselection, in accordance with an aspect of the subject disclosure.Moreover, system 200 illustrates an example scenario, wherein UE 1 202performs a non-optimized PLMN search (e.g., conventional search), whileUE 2 204 performs an optimized PLMN search based on network-controlledRAT-PLMN combinations. It is noted that UE 2 204 is substantiallysimilar to UE 102 and comprise functionality as more fully describedherein, for example, as described above with regard to UE 102.

In this example scenario, both UEs (e.g., UE 1 and UE 2) can be poweredon within a coverage area of cells 2061-2063. As an example, cell 2061broadcasts PLMN X and utilizes LTE as a RAT; cell 2062 broadcasts PLMN Yand utilizes LTE as a RAT; and cell 2063 broadcasts PLMN B and utilizes3G as a RAT. Although only three cells are depicted in the figure, it isnoted that the subject disclosure is not limited to three cells and canhave fewer or greater number of cells that utilize most any PLMN and/orRAT.

When UE 1 202 powers on, the UE 1 202 can determine that the EHPLMN file210 within the SIM 208 has two entries, namely, PLMN A and PLMN B.Further, UE 1 202 detects that the HPLMNwACT file 212 has a list ofthree RATs, namely LTE, 3G, and 2G. It is noted that although PLMN datais stored within the HPLMNwACT file 212, the UE 1 202 does not use thisdata for PLMN selection. Instead, scanning component 214 performs asearch for all the RATs in the priority order specified within theHPLMNwACT file 212 for each PLMN listed in the EHPLMN file 210. Thus,scanning component 214 performs a search for LTE, 3G, and 2G on PLMN A,followed by a search for LTE on PLMN B which fail (e.g. since UE 1 isnot within their coverage areas). Eventually, UE 1 202 searches for 3Gon PLMN B and detects the PLMN B 3G cell 2063. This search process isinefficient and time consuming (e.g., it can take around 90 secs for UE1 202 to detect the cell 2063). Moreover, scan times for each RAT can bedifferent (e.g., 2G and/or 3G scans take longer than LTE scans) andthus, the time taken to detect PLMNs can significantly increase based onthe RATs listed in the HPLMNwACT file 212.

To avoid these issues and optimize PLMN searches, UE 2 204 can utilizePLMN selection component 108 that determines the two PLMNs listed in theEHPLMN file 216 and based on the RAT-PLMN combinations stored within theHPLMNwACT file 106, determines that PLMN A is only associated with LTEand that PLMN B is only associated with 3G and 2G. Accordingly, the PLMNselection component 108 can instruct the scanning component 110 tosearch only for the determined RAT-PLMN combinations in the priorityorder listed by the file 106 (e.g., PLMN A LTE, then PLMN B 3G, and thenPLMN B 2G). Accordingly, the scanning component 110 only performs onesearch for LTE on PLMN A before performing a search for PLMN B 3G, whichresults in detection of the PLMN B 3G cell 2063. Since the number ofsearches performed before detection of a cell is significantlyminimized, time for network detection/access is reduced (e.g., it cantake around 20 secs for UE 2 204 to detect the cell 2063), resourceconsumption is significantly reduced, and battery life is extended.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there illustrated is an example system 300 thatfacilitates control and/or prioritization of RAT-PLMN combinations thatare utilized during PLMN selection, in accordance with an aspect of thesubject disclosure. Typically, during manufacture, UE 102 can beprovisioned with default values for RAT-PLMN combinations, for example,stored within the HPLMNwACT file in the SIM of UE 102. However, the MNOcan update the stored values at most any time (e.g., periodically, inresponse to an event, on demand, etc.) via an OTA update. In one aspect,network device 302 can determine the update based on an analysis ofnetwork-related data, such as, but not limited to, operator requirementsand/or preferences, operator-defined policies, network usage and/ortraffic patterns (e.g., observed and/or predicted), network acquisitionand/or integration data, etc. In one example, the network device 302 cancomprise most any core network and/or radio access network (RAN) device,for example, a network controller, an access point (e.g., eNodeB,gNodeB, etc.), network gateway device, or any number of other networkcomponents of a communication network 304 (e.g., cellular network).

According to an embodiment, an analysis component 306 can collect and/oraccess the network-related data from one or more network data storesand/or devices (not shown) (e.g., in a push or pull configuration). Asan example, the analysis component 306 can evaluate the network-relateddata to optimize and update the RAT-PLMN combinations and/or theirpriorities. Further, the analysis component 306 can select a UE or agroup of UE (e.g., UE 102), to which the updated data is to betransferred. As an example, the analysis component 306 can utilize oneor more selection criteria, such as but not limited to, UE location, UEclassification/type of UE (e.g., IoT devices, mobile phones, wearabledevices, connected cars, etc.), UE traffic patterns, etc. In one aspect,the analysis component 306 can determine updated RAT-PLMN combinationsfor a select group of UEs to facilitate load balancing and/or trafficsteering (e.g., triggering UEs to move from one EHPLMN to another EHPLMNand/or keeping UEs off a specific RAT per PLMN). In another aspect, theanalysis component 306 can determine updated RAT-PLMN combinations tolimit PLMN scans to a single RAT per EHPLMN and then (e.g., after adefined time period) further update RAT-PLMN combinations for differentgroups of UEs to push the different groups of UEs to different RATsbased on reselection parameters. This can enhance scan time by limitingsearch to a single RAT and ensure that a legacy technology exists beforebeing pushed to a newer technology (e.g., ensure circuit switchedfallback is an available option in an area).

In yet another aspect, the analysis component 306 can determine updatedRAT-PLMN combinations for a select group of UEs to enable and/or disablescanning of legacy and/or non-legacy RATs (e.g., LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT,etc. which are considered “LTE” RATs but have different scanningrequirements). Additionally, or alternatively, the analysis component306 can determine updated RAT-PLMN combinations to enable quickerscanning for HPLMNs in border scenarios before moving on to PLMNscanning based on other operator and/or user controlled PLMN selectionlists. Further, in an additional or optional aspect, the analysiscomponent 306 can determine band selection options to control frequencybands that are to be searched per RAT. The transmission component 308can transfer the updated RAT-PLMN combinations to the UE 102 via an OTAmessage communicated over the communication network 304. Based on theOTA message, the UE 102 can update the HPLMNwACT file stored in its SIM.In one aspect, on determining that the HPLMNwACT file has been updated,the UE 102 can initiate PLMN selection (e.g., via PLMN selectioncomponent 108).

Referring now to FIG. 4, there illustrated is an example system 400 thatfacilitates load balancing based on network-triggered PLMN selection,according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. System 400 comprises anetwork monitoring component 402 that can track (and/or predict viamachine learning) network usage and/or load across PLMNs and/or acrossRATs. In an aspect, the network monitoring component 402 can providenotifications and/or alerts to the analysis component 306, for example,when determined that network usage and/or load satisfies a definedcriterion (e.g., exceeds a defined threshold, a defined traffic patternis observed and/or predicted, etc.).

The analysis component 306 can utilize the received data to determineRAT-PLMN combinations that can be provided to a select group of UEs 102.For example, if two (or more) cells with different PLMNs are deployedwithin an area, both supporting same (or different) RATs, the networkmonitoring component 402 can determine loading of the cells and theanalysis component 306 can initiate load balancing by steering a groupof UEs from one PLMN to the other PLMN by updating the RAT-PLMNcombinations stored within the HPLMNwACT file, via OTA messaging. Inanother example, if two (or more) cells with the same (or different)PLMN but different RATs are deployed within an area, the networkmonitoring component 402 can determine loading of the cells and theanalysis component 306 can initiate load balancing by steering a groupof UEs from one RAT to the other RAT by updating the RAT-PLMNcombinations stored within the HPLMNwACT file, via OTA messaging.

Typically, when a UE is powered on, it searches for its home network andonce found, it remains camped on the HPLMN without further searching forother PLMNs. Oftentimes, in some areas an MNO can deploy two or morePLMNs that can be identified as home (e.g., EPLMNs). However, in thisexample scenario, once a UE initially attached to a PLMN, it can remaincoupled to cells of that PLMN. System 400 allows an MNO to provide OTAupdated to change priority list of RAT-PLMN combinations and accordinglytrigger a search and selection of other PLMN (e.g., to load balanceacross PLMNs and/or RATs).

Referring now to FIG. 5, there illustrated is an example system 500 thatfacilitates device steering based on network-triggered PLMN selection,according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. System 500 comprises anetwork planning and/or integration component 502 that can determinenetwork planning and/or integration data (e.g., network acquisitions,shut down of legacy RATs, etc.) within a given geographical area. In anaspect, the network planning and/or integration component 502 canprovide (e.g., periodically, on request, in response to determining anevent, etc.) the determined data to the analysis component 306, which inturn can analyse the data to determine whether a priority list ofRAT-PLMN combinations utilized by UE 102 for PLMN selection is to beupdated.

For example, during network acquisition, the network planning and/orintegration component 502 can determine that an MNO is still in processof integrating the new network into the MNO network, but wants users inthe acquired areas to utilize devices with SIMs of the MNO network, theanalysis component 306 can be utilized to adjust a priority of theRAT-PLMN combinations utilized by the devices, such that the acquiredPLMN has a higher priority than the MNO's PLMN. Further, if the networkplanning and/or integration component 502 determines that the acquirednetwork is fully integrated, the network planning and/or integrationcomponent 502 can notify the analysis component 306, which can thenreadjust the priority of the RAT-PLMN combinations utilized by thedevices (e.g., to remove an entry associated with acquired PLMN). It isnoted that acquisition of carriers can include internationalacquisitions, wherein the analysis component 306 can modify the priorityof the RAT-PLMN combinations to prevent the UE from searching otherroaming networks instead of the acquired network.

In another example, the network planning and/or integration component502 can determine that the MNO no longer deploys and/or has shut down aspecified RAT (e.g., 2G) in a defined area. In this example scenario,the network planning and/or integration component 502 can notify theanalysis component 306, which can then instruct UEs within the definedarea to remove entries associated with the specified RAT from theRAT-PLMN combinations (e.g., to avoid the UEs searching for theunavailable RAT).

Referring now to FIG. 6, there illustrated is an example system 600 thatemploys an artificial intelligence (AI) component 602 to facilitateautomating one or more features in accordance with the subjectembodiments. It can be noted that the network device 302, analysiscomponent 306, and transmission component 308 can comprise functionalityas more fully described herein, for example, as described above withregard to systems 300-500.

In an example embodiment, system 600 (e.g., in connection withautomatically modifying RAT-PLMN lists) can employ various AI-basedschemes (e.g., intelligent processing/analysis, machine learning, etc.)for carrying out various aspects thereof. For example, a process fordetermining which UEs are to be instructed to modify their RAT-PLMNlist, classification of the UEs, the updates to a RAT-PLMN list, aninterval during which the updates are to be applied, etc., can befacilitated via an automatic classifier system implemented by AIcomponent 602.

Moreover, the AI component 602 can exploit various artificialintelligence (AI) methods or machine learning methods. Artificialintelligence techniques can typically apply advanced mathematicalalgorithms—e.g., decision trees, neural networks, regression analysis,principal component analysis (PCA) for feature and pattern extraction,cluster analysis, genetic algorithm, or reinforced learning—to a dataset. In particular, AI component 602 can employ one of numerousmethodologies for learning from data and then drawing inferences fromthe models so constructed. For example, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) andrelated prototypical dependency models can be employed. Generalprobabilistic graphical models, such as Dempster-Shafer networks andBayesian networks like those created by structure search using aBayesian model score or approximation can also be utilized. In addition,linear classifiers, such as support vector machines (SVMs), non-linearclassifiers like methods referred to as “neural network” methodologies,fuzzy logic methodologies can also be employed.

As will be readily appreciated from the subject specification, anexample embodiment can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g.,via observing device/operator preferences, historical information,receiving extrinsic information, type of service, type of device, etc.).For example, SVMs can be configured via a learning or training phasewithin a classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, theclassifier(s) of AI component 602 can be used to automatically learn andperform a number of functions, comprising but not limited to determiningaccording to a predetermined criteria, priorities of respective RAT-PLMNcombinations within a PLMN selection file (e.g., HPLMNwACT) stored inthe SIM, removal and/or addition of RAT-PLMN combinations within thePLMN selection file, a type of UE that is to be provided with theupdated selection file, a time period during which the updates areprovided, etc. The criteria can comprise, but is not limited to,historical patterns and/or trends, network operator preferences and/orpolicies, predicted traffic flows, event data, latency data,reliability/availability data, current time/date, servicerequirements/characteristics, real-time resource consumption, networkplanning, configuration, and/or integration data and/or trends, and thelike.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate flow diagrams and/or methods in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter. For simplicity of explanation, the flowdiagrams and/or methods are depicted and described as a series of acts.It is to be understood and noted that the various embodiments are notlimited by the acts illustrated and/or by the order of acts, for exampleacts can occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and with otheracts not presented and described herein. Furthermore, not allillustrated acts may be required to implement the flow diagrams and/ormethods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition,those skilled in the art will understand and note that the methods couldalternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via astate diagram or events. Additionally, it should be further noted thatthe methods disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification arecapable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitatetransporting and transferring such methods to computers. The termarticle of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass acomputer program accessible from any computer-readable device orcomputer-readable storage/communications media.

Referring now to FIG. 7 there illustrated is an example method 700 thatfacilitates optimized PLMN selection based on RAT-PLMN combination datastored within the UE SIM, according to an aspect of the subjectdisclosure. In an aspect, method 700 can be implemented by one or moreUE (e.g., UE 102) of a communication network (e.g., cellular network).At 702, the UE can power on. When the UE initiates a process to searchfor network connectivity, at 704, EHPLMN data can be accessed from theSIM. The EHPLM data comprises a ranked list of PLMNs that are to betreated as a home network PLMN (e.g., having higher priority thatuser-defined PLMNs and/or visitor PLMNs). Further, at 706, RAT-PLMNcombination data can be accessed from the SIM, wherein the RAT-PLMNcombination data can comprise a ranked list of RAT-PLMN combinations. Asan example, the RAT-PLMN combination data can be stored within theHPLMNwACT file, which can be populated and/or updated based on one ormore operator requirements. Moreover, at 708, only the RAT-PLMNs aresearched for in an order specified by the ranked list (e.g., ascendingorder of ranks). Moreover, PLMN searches are restricted to RAT-PLMN thatare linked to each other.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 for controlling RAT-PLMNcombinations that are utilized by a UE during PLMN selection, accordingto an aspect of the subject disclosure. As an example, method 800 can beimplemented by one or more network devices (e.g., network device 302) ofa communication network (e.g., cellular network). At 802,network-related data can be determined. As an example, thenetwork-related data can comprise, but is not limited to, operatorrequirements and/or preferences, operator-defined policies, networkusage and/or traffic patterns (e.g., observed and/or predicted), networkacquisition, planning, configuration and/or integration data, etc. Inone aspect, the network-related data can be collected from one or morenetwork devices, for example, in a push or pull configuration.

At 804, the network-related data can be analyzed. Further, at 806, basedon the analysis, an update to a prioritized set of RAT-PLMN combinations(e.g., HPLMNwACT file) that is utilized by one of more UEs to facilitatePLMN selection can be determined. As an example, the update can triggerPLMN selection to steer the UEs to a different RAT and/or PLMN for loadbalancing and/or to ensure circuit switched fallback is available. Inanother example, the update can enable quicker scanning for HPLMNs inborder scenarios and/or in scenarios wherein a RAT and/or PLMN isunavailable within an area. Further, at 808, the update can betransmitted to the one or more UEs via an OTA message.

In one aspect, the systems 100-600 and methods 700-800 disclosed hereinprovide various non-limiting advantages, for example, (i) reduce searchtime to access a network during PLMN detection; (ii) extend battery lifeof a UE; (iii) reduce resource (memory and/or processing) consumption ofthe UE; (iv) quickly associate and disassociate access technologies fromavailable networks in a deployment; (v) allow network operators toprioritize and/or manage RAT-PLMN combinations in the search process;etc.

Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is an example block diagram of anexample UE 900 operable to engage in a system architecture thatfacilitates wireless communications according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. UE 102 described herein is substantially similar to UE900 and can comprise functionality as more fully, for example, asdescribed herein with regard to UE 900.

The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of an example of a suitable environment in which the variousembodiments can be implemented. While the description includes a generalcontext of computer-executable instructions embodied on amachine-readable storage medium, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the innovation also can be implemented in combination with otherprogram modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

The UE includes a processor 902 for controlling and processing allonboard operations and functions. A memory 904 interfaces to theprocessor 902 for storage of data and one or more applications 906(e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.).Other applications can include voice recognition of predetermined voicecommands that facilitate initiation of the user feedback signals. Theapplications 906 can be stored in the memory 904 and/or in a firmware908 and executed by the processor 902 from either or both the memory 904or/and the firmware 908. The firmware 908 can also store startup codefor execution in initializing the UE 900. A communications component 910interfaces to the processor 902 to facilitate wired/wirelesscommunication with external systems, e.g., cellular networks, VoIPnetworks, and so on. Here, the communications component 910 can alsoinclude a suitable cellular transceiver 911 (e.g., a GSM transceiver)and/or an unlicensed transceiver 913 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax) forcorresponding signal communications. The UE 900 can be a device such asa cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communications capabilities, andmessaging-centric devices. The communications component 910 alsofacilitates communications reception from terrestrial radio networks(e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and Internet-basedradio services networks.

The UE 900 includes a display 912 for displaying text, images, video,telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setup functions, andfor user input. For example, the display 912 can also be referred to asa “screen” that can accommodate the presentation of multimedia content(e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics, etc.). The display912 can also display videos and can facilitate the generation, editingand sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface 914 is provided incommunication with the processor 902 to facilitate wired and/or wirelessserial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE 1394) through a hardwireconnection, and other serial input devices (e.g., a keyboard, keypad,and mouse). This supports updating and troubleshooting the UE 900, forexample. Audio capabilities are provided with an audio I/O component916, which can include a speaker for the output of audio signals relatedto, for example, indication that the user pressed the proper key or keycombination to initiate the user feedback signal. The audio I/Ocomponent 916 also facilitates the input of audio signals through amicrophone to record data and/or telephony voice data, and for inputtingvoice signals for telephone conversations.

The UE 900 can include a slot interface 918 for accommodating a SIC(Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a card SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) or universal SIM 920 and interfacing the SIM card920 with the processor 902. However, it is to be appreciated that theSIM card 920 can be manufactured into the UE 900, and updated bydownloading data and software. The SIM card 920 described herein issubstantially similar to SIM 104 and can comprise functionality as morefully, for example, as described herein with regard to SIM 104. Forexample, the SIM 920 can store the HPLMNwACT file 106 that can beupdated based on operator preferences and utilized to facilitate anefficient PLMN search.

The UE 900 can process IP data traffic through the communicationscomponent 910 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, forexample, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a personarea network, etc., through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus,VoIP traffic can be utilized by the UE 900 and IP-based multimediacontent can be received in either an encoded or a decoded format.

A video processing component 922 (e.g., a camera) can be provided fordecoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component 922can aid in facilitating the generation, editing, and sharing of videoquotes. The UE 900 also includes a power source 924 in the form ofbatteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source 924 caninterface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown)by a power I/O component 926.

The UE 900 can also comprise a video component 930 for processing videocontent received and, for recording and transmitting video content. Forexample, the video component 930 can facilitate the generation, editingand sharing of video quotes. A location-tracking component 932facilitates geographically locating the UE 900. As describedhereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates the feedback signalautomatically or manually. A user input component 934 facilitates theuser initiating the quality feedback signal. The user input component934 can also facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of videoquotes. The user input component 934 can include such conventional inputdevice technologies such as a keypad, keyboard, mouse, stylus pen,and/or touch screen, for example.

Referring again to the applications 906, a hysteresis component 936facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis data, which isutilized to determine when to associate with the access point. Asoftware trigger component 938 can be provided that facilitatestriggering of the hysteresis component 936 when the Wi-Fi transceiver913 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP client 940 enables theUE 900 to support SIP protocols and register the subscriber with the SIPregistrar server. The applications 906 can also include a client 942that provides at least the capability of discovery, play and store ofmultimedia content, for example, music.

The UE 900, as indicated above related to the communications component910, includes an indoor network radio transceiver 913 (e.g., Wi-Fitransceiver). This function supports the indoor radio link, such as IEEE802.11, for the dual-mode GSM UE 900. The UE 900 can accommodate atleast satellite radio services through a UE that can combine wirelessvoice and digital radio chipsets into a single handheld device. Further,UE 900 can comprise the PLMN selection component 108 and the scanningcomponent 110, which can comprise functionality as more fully describedherein, for example, as described above with regard to systems 100-200.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer 1002 operable to execute the disclosed communicationarchitecture. In order to provide additional context for various aspectsof the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 10 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 1000 in which the various aspects of thespecification can be implemented. While the specification has beendescribed above in the general context of computer-executableinstructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the specification also can be implemented incombination with other program modules and/or as a combination ofhardware and software.

Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particulartasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, thoseskilled in the art will note that the various methods can be practicedwith other computer system configurations, comprising single-processoror multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers,as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like,each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associateddevices.

The illustrated aspects of the specification can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

A computing device can typically include a variety of machine-readablemedia. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media can include volatileand/or non-volatile media, removable and/or non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, solid statedrive (SSD) or other solid-state storage technology, Compact Disk ReadOnly Memory (CD ROM), digital video disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk, or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bythe computer. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or “non-transitory”herein as applied to storage, memory or computer-readable media, are tobe understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se asmodifiers and do not relinquish rights to all standard storage, memoryor computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitorysignals per se.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF),infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

With reference again to FIG. 10, the example environment 1000 forimplementing various aspects of the specification comprises a computer1002, the computer 1002 comprising a processing unit 1004, a systemmemory 1006 and a system bus 1008. As an example, the component(s),application(s) server(s), equipment, system(s), interface(s),gateway(s), controller(s), node(s), entity(ies), function(s), cloud(s)and/or device(s) (e.g., UE 102, PLMN selection component 108, scanningcomponent 110, UE 1 202, UE 204, cells 2061-2063, network device 302,analysis component 306, transmission component 308, network monitoringcomponent 402, network planning and/or integration component 504, AIcomponent 602, UE 900, etc.) disclosed herein with respect to systems100-600 and 900 can each comprise at least a portion of the computer1002. The system bus 1008 couples system components comprising, but notlimited to, the system memory 1006 to the processing unit 1004. Theprocessing unit 1004 can be any of various commercially availableprocessors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architecturescan also be employed as the processing unit 1004.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006comprises read-only memory (ROM) 1010 and random access memory (RAM)1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1010 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1002, such as during startup. The RAM 1012 can also comprise ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1002 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014, which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette1018) and an optical disk drive 1020, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1022or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such asthe DVD). The hard disk drive 1014, magnetic disk drive 1016 and opticaldisk drive 1020 can be connected to the system bus 1008 by a hard diskdrive interface 1024, a magnetic disk drive interface 1026 and anoptical drive interface 1028, respectively. The interface 1024 forexternal drive implementations comprises at least one or both ofUniversal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Otherexternal drive connection technologies are within contemplation of thesubject disclosure.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1002, the drives andstorage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digitalformat. Although the description of computer-readable storage mediaabove refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removableoptical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be noted by those skilledin the art that other types of storage media which are readable by acomputer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards,solid-state disks (SSD), cartridges, and the like, can also be used inthe example operating environment, and further, that any such storagemedia can contain computer-executable instructions for performing themethods of the specification.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,comprising an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. It is noted that the specification can beimplemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1002 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and/or apointing device, such as a mouse 1040 or a touchscreen or touchpad (notillustrated). These and other input devices are often connected to theprocessing unit 1004 through an input device interface 1042 that iscoupled to the system bus 1008, but can be connected by otherinterfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a gameport, a USB port, an IR interface, etc. A monitor 1044 or other type ofdisplay device is also connected to the system bus 1008 via aninterface, such as a video adapter 1046.

The computer 1002 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1002, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1050 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1002 isconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which canalso comprise a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1002 cancomprise a modem 1058, or is connected to a communications server on theWAN 1054 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1008 via the serial port interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1002, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be noted that the network connections shown are exampleand other means of establishing a communications link between thecomputers can be used.

The computer 1002 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g.,desktop and/or portable computer, server, communications satellite, etc.This comprises at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies orother communication technologies. Thus, the communication can be apredefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity networks use radio technologies called IEEE802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wirelessconnectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to eachother, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 orEthernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radiobands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, forexample, or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so thenetworks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseTwired Ethernet networks used in many offices.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “data store,” data storage,”“database,” “cache,” and substantially any other information storagecomponent relevant to operation and functionality of a component, referto “memory components,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or componentscomprising the memory. It will be noted that the memory components, orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation,nonvolatile memory can comprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM(PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM(EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can comprise random accessmemory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way ofillustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such assynchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM),double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), SynchlinkDRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, thedisclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are intended tocomprise, without being limited to comprising, these and any othersuitable types of memory.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a schematic block diagramof a computing environment 1100 in accordance with the subjectspecification. The system 1100 comprises one or more client(s) 1102. Theclient(s) 1102 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads,processes, computing devices).

The system 1100 also comprises one or more server(s) 1104. The server(s)1104 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes,computing devices). The servers 1104 can house threads to performtransformations by employing the specification, for example. Onepossible communication between a client 1102 and a server 1104 can be inthe form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or morecomputer processes. The data packet may comprise a cookie and/orassociated contextual information, for example. The system 1100comprises a communication framework 1106 (e.g., a global communicationnetwork such as the Internet, cellular network, etc.) that can beemployed to facilitate communications between the client(s) 1102 and theserver(s) 1104.

Communications can be facilitated via a wired (comprising optical fiber)and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1102 are operatively connectedto one or more client data store(s) 1108 that can be employed to storeinformation local to the client(s) 1102 (e.g., cookie(s) and/orassociated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 1104 areoperatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 1110 that canbe employed to store information local to the servers 1104.

What has been described above comprises examples of the presentspecification. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methods for purposes ofdescribing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in theart may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of thepresent specification are possible. Accordingly, the presentspecification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modificationsand variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “comprises” is used ineither the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended tobe inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a userequipment comprising a processor, via over-the-air messaging, updatedata that updates a public land mobile network selector file to anupdated public land mobile network selector file, wherein the updatedpublic land mobile network selector file comprises combination dataindicative of ranked combinations comprising, for each public landmobile network identifier of a group of public land mobile networkidentifiers, only one combination of a single radio access technologylinked to the public land mobile network identifier; and searching, bythe user equipment based on the ranked combinations, for a combinationassociated with a home public land mobile network.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the searching comprises searching in a ranked order ofthe ranked combinations.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the updatedata is based on predicted network load information, and the predictednetwork load information has been determined to exceed a thresholdnetwork load.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the update data isemployable to steer the user equipment to couple to an operator-selectedaccess point device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the update datahas been determined based on classification data indicative of a type ofthe user equipment.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the update datahas been determined based on network planning information indicative ofa legacy radio access technology that has been shut down.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein the update data has been determined based onavailability data indicative of an availability of radio accesstechnologies within an area associated with the user equipment.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the update data instructs the user equipmentto remove specific combinations from the public land mobile networkselector file.
 9. Network equipment, comprising: a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: sending,via over-the-air messaging to a user equipment, update data that updatesa public land mobile network selector file to an updated public landmobile network selector file, wherein the updated public land mobilenetwork selector file comprises combination data indicative ofprioritized combinations comprising, for each public land mobile networkidentifier of a group of public land mobile network identifiers, onlyone combination of a single radio access technology linked to the publicland mobile network identifier; and instructing the user equipment tosearch, based on the prioritized combinations, for a combinationassociated with a home public land mobile network.
 10. The networkequipment of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprisedetermining the update data based on predicted network load information,and the predicted network load information has been determined to exceeda threshold network load.
 11. The network equipment of claim 9, whereinthe operations further comprise determining the update data based onclassification data indicative of a type of the user equipment.
 12. Thenetwork equipment of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprisedetermining the update data based on network planning informationindicative of a legacy radio access technology that has been shut down.13. The network equipment of claim 9, wherein the operations furthercomprise determining the update data based on availability dataindicative of an availability of radio access technologies within anarea associated with the user equipment.
 14. The network equipment ofclaim 9, wherein the update data instructs the user equipment to removespecified combinations from the public land mobile network selectorfile.
 15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprisingexecutable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitateperformance of operations, comprising: transmitting, via over-the-airmessaging to a mobile device, update data that updates a public landmobile network selector file to an updated public land mobile networkselector file, wherein the updated public land mobile network selectorfile comprises combination data indicative of ranked combinationscomprising, for public land mobile network identifiers of a group ofpublic land mobile network identifiers, only one respective combinationof a single radio access technology linked to a public land mobilenetwork identifier; and directing the mobile device to search, based onthe ranked combinations, for a combination associated with a home publicland mobile network.
 16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the operations further comprise determining the updatedata based on predicted network load information, and the predictednetwork load information has been determined to exceed a thresholdnetwork load.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim15, wherein the operations further comprise determining the update databased on classification data indicative of a type of the mobile device.18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein theoperations further comprise determining the update data based on networkplanning information indicative of a legacy radio access technology thathas been shut down.
 19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the operations further comprise determining the updatedata based on availability data indicative of an availability of radioaccess technologies within an area associated with the mobile device.20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein theupdate data instructs the mobile device to delete at least one of theranked combinations from the public land mobile network selector file.